Six ways to eliminate female circumcision: Health Mininstry

CAIRO – 6 February 2018: As the world celebrated the World Day Against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Minister of Health Ahmed Emad present six ways to eliminate this crime by 2030.

1. Criminalization of FGM in the Penal Code, punishable by severe imprisonment.

2. The Attorney General shall prepare a book to record these crimes as a reference in the investigation of female circumcision incidents.

3. The Minister of Health issued a circular book in October 2017, in which hospitals are required to inform the police when they receive female circumcision cases.

4. To require the Ministry of Health’s sectors to carry out training programs and educational programs on the law, covering the penalties and negative consequences of circumcision.

5. Implementation of the Supreme Council of Universities’ approval in 2017 to add an educational curriculum against the crime of female genital mutilation within the curriculum of obstetrics students in medical school programs.

6. Commitment of all ministries and agencies to integrate the curriculum against female genital mutilation within their training and service programs.

According to a study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO), “The Demographic and Health Survey in Egypt in 2000 showed that 97 percent of married women included in the survey had experienced female genital cutting (i.e. FGM).”

Another study by the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population in 2003 reported that over 94 percent of married women were exposed to genital cutting, and 69 percent of those women agreed to the procedure being carried out on their daughters. Additionally, a pilot study by the Health Insurance Organization showed that 41 percent of female students in primary, preparatory and secondary schools had undergone genital cutting.

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a widespread practice in Africa, the Middle East and regions known for heavily adhering to outdated traditions and customs. The practice consists of having the external part of female genitals cut as a method to curb sexual desire. The fact is that regions with the highest numbers of FGM are not only ignorant of the risks of FGM, they are also ignorant of sexual health, psychological health and more.